Archdiocese admits wrongdoing

The Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis reached an agreement with prosecutors last week that led to a dismissal of criminal charges against it. However, documents in the case indicate an attempt by the nuncio at the time to prevent allegations against the then archbishop, John Nienstedt, being made public.

The charges, brought last summer, alleged a “failure to protect children” in relation to three minors sexually abused in 2010 by former priest Curtis Wehmeyer. The agreement was reached after the archdiocese made a “direct and public admission of wrongdoing”. However, documents from the proceedings indicated the former nuncio to the US, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, attempted to halt an investigation into charges of sexual misconduct made against Nienstedt.